Opera Season at La Scala Theatre 2025–2026 – Milan, Italy

Background and History

Teatro alla Scala, founded in 1778, is one of the world’s premier opera houses, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and rich history. Located in Milan, Italy, it hosts a diverse season of operas, ballets, and concerts, attracting global audiences and artists. The 2025–2026 season, opening on December 7, 2025, with Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, continues La Scala’s tradition of blending classic and innovative productions, featuring 10 operas, two complete Ring des Nibelungen cycles by Wagner, seven ballets, and an extensive concert series. The season runs through November 21, 2026, and includes performances for children, youth, and families, reinforcing La Scala’s cultural significance.

Season Overview

The 2025–2026 season, under the artistic direction of Riccardo Chailly and others, showcases a blend of new productions, revivals, and guest performances. The season opens on December 7, 2025, coinciding with Milan’s Saint Ambrogio feast, and features:

• Operas: 10 titles, including new productions and revivals, plus two full Ring cycles.
• Ballets: Seven productions, from classics like The Sleeping Beauty to modern works.
• Concerts: Symphony series, guest orchestras, recitals, and chamber music.
• Special Programs: Academy concerts, children’s performances, and charity events. The season emphasizes accessibility with youth discounts, family rates, and flexible ticket options like carnets.

Theme and Artistic Focus

The season explores diverse narratives, from Shostakovich’s intense Lady Macbeth to Puccini’s Turandot, celebrating its 1926 La Scala premiere. Wagner’s Ring cycles highlight epic storytelling, while ballets like Giselle and Don Quixote blend tradition and virtuosity. The “Paideia” theme from the 2025 Festivalfilosofia in nearby Modena complements La Scala’s educational outreach, with programs like L’elisir d’amore for kids fostering cultural engagement.

Event Highlights

The 2025–2026 season includes over 150 performances across operas, ballets, and concerts, detailed below:

Operas

• Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (December 7–30, 2025; Under-30 Preview: December 4):
  • Conductor: Riccardo Chailly
  • Director: Vasily Barkhatov
  • Cast: Sara Jakubiak (Katerina), Alexander Roslavets, Najmiddin Mavlyanov
  • Notes: Opens the season, marking Shostakovich’s 50th death anniversary.
• Götterdämmerung (February 1–17, 2026):
  • Conductors: Alexander Soddy (Feb 1, 4, 8), Simone Young (Feb 12, 17)
  • Director: David McVicar
  • Cast: Camilla Nylund (Brünnhilde), Klaus Florian Vogt (Siegfried)
• Das Rheingold (Ring Cycle, March 1 & 10, 2026):
  • Conductors: Alexander Soddy (March 1), Simone Young (March 10)
  • Cast: Michael Volle (Wotan), Ólafur Sigurdarson (Alberich)
• Die Walküre (Ring Cycle, March 3 & 11, 2026):
  • Conductors: Alexander Soddy (March 3), Simone Young (March 11)
  • Cast: Elza van den Heever (Sieglinde), Camilla Nylund (Brünnhilde)
• Siegfried (Ring Cycle, March 5 & 13, 2026):
  • Conductors: Alexander Soddy (March 5), Simone Young (March 13)
  • Cast: Klaus Florian Vogt (Siegfried), Michael Volle (Wotan)
• Götterdämmerung (Ring Cycle, March 7 & 15, 2026):
  • Conductor: Simone Young
  • Cast: Camilla Nylund, Klaus Florian Vogt
• Turandot (April 1–29, 2026):
  • Conductor: Nicola Luisotti
  • Director: Davide Livermore
  • Cast: Mariangela Sicilia, Roberto Alagna
  • Notes: Celebrates the opera’s 1926 La Scala premiere.
• Pelléas et Mélisande (April 22–May 9, 2026):
  • Conductor: Maxime Pascal
  • Director: Romeo Castellucci
  • Cast: Sara Blanch
• Nabucodonosor (May 16–June 9, 2026):
  • Conductor: Riccardo Chailly
  • Director: Alessandro Talevi
  • Cast: Anna Netrebko (Abigaille), Luca Salsi
• Carmen (June 8–27, 2026):
  • Conductor: Myung-Whun Chung
  • Director: Damiano Michieletto
• Lucia di Lammermoor (June 26–July 17, 2026):
  • Conductor: Speranza Scappucci
  • Cast: Rosa Feola, Pene Pati
• L’elisir d’amore (September 5–16, 2026):
  • Conductor: Marco Alibrando
  • Director: Maria Mauti
  • Notes: La Scala Academy production for young audiences.
• La traviata (September 19–October 15, 2026):
  • Conductor: Michele Gamba
  • Director: Liliana Cavani
  • Cast: Nadine Sierra
• Faust (October 20–November 8, 2026):
  • Conductor: Daniele Rustioni
  • Director: Johannes Erath
  • Cast: Marina Rebeka, Vittorio Grigolo
• 2024–2025 Carryover:
  • La forza del destino (December 7, 2024–January 2, 2025)
  • Falstaff (January 16–February 7, 2025)
  • Eugene Onegin (February 19–March 11, 2025)
  • Tosca (March 15–April 4, 2025)
  • L’opera seria (March 29–April 9, 2025)
  • Il nome della rosa (April 27–May 10, 2025)
  • Weill Triptych (May 14–30, 2025)
  • Norma (June 27–July 17, 2025)
  • La Cenerentola (September 6–19, 2025)
  • Rigoletto (October 7–28, 2025)
  • La fille du régiment (October 17–November 7, 2025)
  • Così fan tutte (November 5–26, 2025)

Ballets

• The Sleeping Beauty (December 18, 2025–January 13, 2026; Under-30 Preview: December 17):
  • Choreography: Rudolf Nureyev
• Gala Fracci (January 31–February 3, 2026):
  • Honors Carla Fracci with star performers.
• McGregor / Maillot / Naharin (March 18–28, 2026):
  • Triple bill of contemporary choreography.
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (May 21–30, 2026):
  • Family-friendly ballet.
• Don Quixote (July 2–16, 2026):
  • Choreography: Rudolf Nureyev
• Giselle (October 1–23, 2026):
  • Classic ballet of love and redemption.
• Balanchine / Bausch / Stravinsky (November 7–21, 2026):
  • Modern choreography set to Stravinsky.
• 2024–2025 Carryover:
  • The Nutcracker (December 18, 2024–January 12, 2025)
  • Kratz / Preljocaj / De Bana (February 28–March 12, 2025)
  • Peer Gynt (April 8–18, 2025)
  • Paquita (June 11–26, 2025)
  • Swan Lake (July 7–18, 2025)
  • Lander / Kylián / Béjart (September 22–October 3, 2025)
  • William Forsythe Evening (November 11–29, 2025)

Concerts

• Symphony Concerts:
  • Riccardo Chailly: A Survivor from Warsaw (October 18–23, 2025)
  • Daniel Barenboim: Beethoven (November 17–22, 2025)
  • Riccardo Chailly: Hindemith/Gershwin (January 26–30, 2026)
  • Esa-Pekka Salonen: Sibelius (March 2–6, 2026)
  • Michele Mariotti (May 4–7, 2026)
  • Myung-Whun Chung: Beethoven/Brahms (June 11–17, 2026)
  • Daniele Rustioni (September 22–25, 2026)
  • Riccardo Chailly: Bruckner 9 (November 16–20, 2026)
• Exceptional Concerts:
  • Christmas Concert: Lorenzo Viotti (December 20, 2025)
  • Verdi: Requiem Mass (October 28–30, 2026)
• Guest Orchestras:
  • Christophe Rousset: Monteverdi Choir (December 15, 2025)
  • Česká Filharmonie: Semyon Bychkov, Beatrice Rana (February 28, 2026)
  • Budapest Festival Orchestra: Iván Fischer, Igor Levit (March 21, 2026)
  • Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks: The Rite of Spring (October 11, 2026)
• Recitals:
  • Matthias Goerne: Schumann’s Winterreise (October 5, 2025)
  • Asmik Grigorian: Richard Strauss (October 19, 2025)
  • Erwin Schrott (November 9, 2025)
  • Juan Diego Flórez (January 25, 2026)
  • Marina Rebeka (March 9, 2026)
  • Jakub Józef Orliński (June 7, 2026)
  • Francesco Meli / Luca Salsi (June 21, 2026)
  • Benjamin Bernheim (November 22, 2026)
• Great Pianists at La Scala:
  • Beatrice Rana (January 23, 2026)
  • Yefim Bronfman (March 8, 2026)
  • Hélène Grimaud (March 22, 2026)
  • Arcadi Volodos (May 17, 2026)
  • Rudolf Buchbinder (October 4, 2026)
• Chamber Music at Toscanini Boxes Foyer:
  • Multiple dates (December 14, 2025; January 11, February 8, March 15, April 19, May 10, 31, June 7, October 11, November 15, 2026)
• Academy Concerts:
  • Lyric Opera Soloists (January 21, February 26, 2026)
  • “Giorgio Bernasconi” Ensemble (February 13, March 19, 2026)

Children and Family Programs

• Great Operas for Children:
  • L’elisir d’amore for Kids (October 24–December 6, 2026)
• Concerts for Children:
  • Mimì & Teo and… Rossini’s Recipe (March 8, 2026)
  • Mimì & Teo… A Trip with Mozart (May 3, 2026)
  • Mimì & Teo and… The Fantastic Raft (June 7, 2026)
  • Mimì & Teo and… The Magic Horn (October 4, 2026)
  • Mimì & Teo and… The Jazz Robot! (October 25, 2026)

Dates and Duration

• Season Duration: December 7, 2025 – November 21, 2026
• Key Dates:
  • Opening: December 7, 2025 (Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District)
  • Ring Cycles: March 1–15, 2026
  • Subscriptions Available: From May 27, 2025
  • Carnets Available: From September 30, 2025

Main Address

• Teatro alla Scala: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
• Box Office: Largo Ghiringhelli, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

All Venues

• Main Venue: Teatro alla Scala, Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI
• Off-Site: Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber (Via Larga, 14, 20122 Milano MI) for The Little Sweep for Children (November 30, 2024–February 10, 2025)
• Scala Ansaldo Workshops: Via Bergognone, 34, 20144 Milano MI (for guided tours)

Contact Information

• General Inquiries: +39 02 7200 3744 (Monday–Saturday, 12 PM–6 PM), lascalarisponde@fondazionelascala.it
• Box Office: Largo Ghiringhelli, 1, open Monday–Saturday, 1 PM–6 PM; on performance evenings (including Sundays), open 2 hours before to after the show start
• Subscribers: +39 02 9990 1922 (Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM), abbonamento@fondazionelascala.it
• Under-30/35 Program: under30@fondazionelascala.it, www.lascalaunder30.org
• Press Office: +39 02 8879 2412/410, press@teatroallascala.org
• Marketing: eventi.marketing@fondazionelascala.it
• Cultural Promotions:
  • Libraries/Associations: alessandra.covini@fondazionelascala.it
  • Schools/Universities: roberto.bossi@fondazionelascala.it, emanuela.spaccapietra@fondazionelascala.it, ilaria.biasini@fondazionelascala.it
  • Head: carlo.torresani@fondazionelascala.it
• Theatre Museum: museo.scala@fondazionelascala.it, +39 02 8970 9022 (Civita for tours)
• Academy of Performing Arts: Via Santa Marta, 18, 20123 Milano MI, +39 02 8545 111, segreteria.didattica@accademialascala.it
• Filarmonica della Scala: Piazza Diaz, 6, 20123 Milano MI, +39 02 7202 3671, www.filarmonica.it
• Website: www.teatroallascala.org
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/teatroallascala
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/teatroallascala
  • X: www.twitter.com/teatroallascala

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD):
  • Opera Prime Subscription (All Premiere Operas):
    • Parterre (Stalls): $2,090–$2,410 (€1,900–€2,190)
    • Box for 6 Seats (I–III Order): $12,600 (€11,460); IV Order: $10,740 (€9,760)
    • Box for 5 Seats: $8,040 (€7,310, I–III); $7,540 (€6,850, IV)
    • Box for 4 Seats: $6,560 (€5,960, I–II); $5,410 (€4,920, III–IV)
    • Galleries: $1,060 (€960); $790 (€720)
  • Family Box (Un Palco in Famiglia):
    • 2 Adults + 2 Under-18: $3,040 (€2,760)
    • 3 Adults + 1 Under-18: $4,960 (€4,510)
    • Youth Entry (Under-18, with adult): $11 (€10)
    • Adult in Family Box: From $40 (€36)
  • Carnets (3+ Performances): Available from September 30, 2025, with a 10% discount on single tickets. Prices vary by performance.
  • Youth Discounts (Under-35): 50–65% off on fixed-series or flexible packages, available via www.lascalaunder30.org.
  • Single Tickets: Prices vary by performance, seat, and date (check www.teatroallascala.org).
• How to Purchase:
  • Online: www.teatroallascala.org or www.ticketone.it
  • In-Person: Box Office, Largo Ghiringhelli, 1 (Monday–Saturday, 1 PM–6 PM; performance evenings, 2 hours before show)
  • Tour Operators/Groups: Contact eventi.marketing@fondazionelascala.it
• Notes:
  • Subscriptions available from May 27, 2025.
  • Carnets offer flexibility to choose performances, available from September 30, 2025.
  • Under-30 previews (e.g., December 4, 2025) offer discounted access.
  • Official resale available via La Scala’s procedure.
  • Accessibility: Seats for mobility-impaired, tools for enhanced experience (contact teatroaccessibile@fondazionelascala.it).

Cultural Experience

La Scala offers an unparalleled cultural experience in Milan’s historic center, near the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The 2025–2026 season blends grand opera (Turandot, Carmen), epic Wagner cycles, and vibrant ballets (Giselle, Don Quixote), with performances by stars like Anna Netrebko and Roberto Bolle. Concerts and recitals, from Beethoven to Stravinsky, enrich the program. The theatre’s opulent interiors and world-class acoustics elevate every event, while family and youth initiatives make opera accessible to all.

Food and Drinks

Milan’s culinary scene complements the La Scala experience:

• Risotto alla Milanese: Saffron risotto (~$16.50). Try at Ristorante Nabucco (Via Fiori Chiari, 10, 20121 Milano MI).
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded veal cutlet (~$22). Available at Trattoria del Nuovo Macello (Via Cesare Lombroso, 20, 20137 Milano MI).
• Ossobuco: Braised veal shank (~$27.50). Enjoy at Antica Trattoria della Pesa (Viale Pasubio, 10, 20154 Milano MI).
• Aperitivo: Drinks with snacks (~$8.80–$13.20). Visit Ceresio 7 (Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI).
• Tiramisù: Classic dessert (~$7.70). Try at Pasticceria Marchesi (Via Monte Napoleone, 9, 20121 Milano MI).

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: “Un Palco in Famiglia” offers family boxes ($3,040 for 2 adults + 2 children) with youth tickets at $11 (€10). Children’s operas (L’elisir d’amore for Kids) and concerts (Mimì & Teo series) engage young audiences.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seats and dedicated initiatives for inclusivity. Contact teatroaccessibile@fondazionelascala.it for support. Supported by Milano per la Scala Foundation.

Getting There

• By Air: Milan Malpensa (MXP, 50 km, ~$55 taxi or $14.30 Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale). Alternatively, Linate (LIN, 7 km, ~$16.50 taxi or $2.20 bus).
• By Train: Milano Centrale, served by Trenitalia, is 10 minutes from La Scala ($5.50 taxi or 15-minute walk). High-speed trains from Rome (~3 hr, $44) or Florence (~1.5 hr, $22).
• By Car: A1/A4 Motorways to Milan. Park near Piazza Scala (~$3.30–$6.60/day). Milan’s center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL).
• By Public Transport: Metro M1/M3 to Duomo (5-minute walk to La Scala, $2.20 ticket). Bus 61 or tram 1/2 also connect.
• On Foot: La Scala is a 5-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Program Overview

• December 2025:
  • Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (December 7–30)
  • The Sleeping Beauty (December 18–January 13, 2026)
  • Christmas Concert (December 20)
• January–February 2026:
  • Götterdämmerung (February 1–17)
  • Gala Fracci (January 31–February 3)
  • Recitals: Juan Diego Flórez (January 25), Beatrice Rana (January 23)
• March 2026:
  • Ring Cycle (March 1–15)
  • McGregor / Maillot / Naharin (March 18–28)
  • Recitals: Yefim Bronfman (March 8), Hélène Grimaud (March 22)
• April–May 2026:
  • Turandot (April 1–29)
  • Pelléas et Mélisande (April 22–May 9)
  • Nabucodonosor (May 16–June 9)
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (May 21–30)
• June–July 2026:
  • Carmen (June 8–27)
  • Lucia di Lammermoor (June 26–July 17)
  • Don Quixote (July 2–16)
• September–November 2026:
  • L’elisir d’amore (September 5–16)
  • La traviata (September 19–October 15)
  • Faust (October 20–November 8)
  • Giselle (October 1–23)
  • Balanchine / Bausch / Stravinsky (November 7–21)

Notable Features

• Season Opening: Lady Macbeth on December 7, 2025, broadcast live on RAI1.
• Wagner’s Ring: Two complete cycles in March 2026, a rare event.
• Star Performers: Anna Netrebko, Roberto Alagna, Roberto Bolle, and Riccardo Chailly.
• Youth and Family Access: Under-35 discounts (50–65%) and family boxes make La Scala inclusive.
• Cultural Hub: Near Milan’s landmarks, enhancing the opera experience.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel Manzoni: Via Santo Spirito, 20, 20121 Milano MI (~$165–$330/night), 5-minute walk to La Scala.
• Sina De La Ville: Via Hoepli, 6, 20121 Milano MI (~$110–$220/night), near Duomo.
• B&B Hotel Milano Duomo: Via San Tomaso, 4, 20121 Milano MI (~$66–$132/night), budget-friendly. Book early, as Milan fills during the season. Check www.turismo.milano.it for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Event Recommendations: Attend the season opener (Lady Macbeth, December 7) or Turandot (April) for iconic experiences. Gala Fracci (January) is a ballet highlight. Family-friendly shows like L’elisir d’amore for Kids suit younger audiences.
• Navigating Tickets: Opt for an Opera Prime subscription ($2,090–$12,600) for full access or carnets (from September 30) for flexibility. Under-35s should explore www.lascalaunder30.org for discounts.
• Exploring Milan: Visit the Duomo or Brera Gallery between performances, a 5–10 minute walk. Enjoy aperitivo at Navigli post-show.